Tutor profile: Teresa G.

Describe the various points of view in writing and their purposes or benefits.

In the first-person point of view (or voice), the writer is narrating their own story to the reader. This makes the story very personal and allows the reader to experience it from the writer's perspective, but – obviously – limits it to that perspective and the biases that come with it. Example: "I was born in the city, but we moved to a farm when I was eight. My mother bought me my first horse that year." The second-person point of view speaks directly to the reader with the focus on their perspective, which can very engaging. This point of view is not commonly used for story-telling but often appears in self-help or instructional texts. Example: "If you want to make changes and improve your life, you will need a good support system. When you share your goals with friends and family, they can help encourage you and hold you accountable." With the third-person point of view, the writer is "on the outside looking in" and relating someone else's story. The writer may speak solely from one character's perspective, or they may be "all-knowing" and relate the thoughts and feelings of many different characters. Example: "It was the first time she had encountered such an abrupt and drastic change in someone. Was he truly the kind and loving person she thought she knew or had she been fooled the entire time?"

Read the sentences below. If the sentence uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation write "C" in the space provided. If it does not, rewrite it using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (Note: Consider the Oxford/serial comma to be correct style for this exercise.) 1. Sarah's sister's bicycle was left out in the driveway. ___ 2. I like running, swimming, and to go biking. ___ 3. Their dog was very nice. ___ 4. Walking through the woods, the birds were chirping loudly. ___ 5. She said "I don't want to go." 6. I'm tired. I need to lay down. 7. Have you been there before last week? 8. I washed the car. If I had had the time, I would have waxed it, too. 9. The letter was addressed to her and me. 10. I hope they except my application. I really want to go to school there!

(More than one corrected version of a sentence might be possible.) 1. C 2. I like running, swimming, and biking. 3. C 4. Walking through the woods, I heard the birds chirping loudly. 5. She said, "I don't want to go." 6. I'm tired. I need to lie down. 7. Had you been there before last week? 8. C 9. C 10. I hope they accept my application. I really want to go to school there!

Read the example email below and assess whether it is a good or bad example of business communication based on the "7 Cs" we've discussed. Explain the reason for your assessment. "Hey, Susan - I talked to Tom yesterday. Project Y is behind schedule. I need you to call me asap."

This communication could use a lot of improvement. The message is not entirely coherent or clear. It doesn't explain the relationship between Tom and Project Y being behind schedule, nor what Susan's role in the situation might be. For example, is she being held responsible? Or, is the writer responsible and wants to ask for Susan's help? In addition, the tone is not very courteous.